More female PNP execs eyed

MANILA, Philippines — The public may soon see female police officers as regional and district directors in the country.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said yesterday he is eyeing to appoint policewomen as field commanders and heads of other key units within the organization.

“We will evaluate their skills and capabilities for the posts,” he said in a text message to The STAR.

The first time the PNP had a policewoman as a commander of a large unit was in 2009 when Lina Sarmiento was appointed as director of the Eastern Police District. However, she only stayed at her post for five days and was reassigned to the Police Security and Protection Group.

Sinas is known for his programs empowering the role of policewomen in the police force. Before he assumed the post of PNP chief, he appointed Col. Angela Rejano as the police chief of Malabon.

He also formed an all-women police precinct in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City when he was director of the National Capital Region Police Office.

The town of Maria in Siquijor likewise had an all-female police station when Sinas was director of the Central Visayas police.

Sinas earlier said policewomen should be given a chance to lead operational units instead of being relegated to administrative tasks in the male-dominated police force.

“I have proven it and they are also good in investigation and supervising our people,” he said.